Two kinds of prepackaged rice seasonings may contain allergens (egg and milk)

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 14) said that two kinds of prepackaged rice seasonings manufactured in Korea might contain allergens, egg and milk, but they were not declared on the products' food labels. Consumers who are allergic to egg or milk are advised not to eat the affected products. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately should they possess them.

"The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notice issued by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand that the above-mentioned products are under recall because they may contain egg and milk but the ingredients are undeclared on the food labels," a spokesman for the CFS said.

Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers, including the above-mentioned importer. Preliminary investigation found that the importer concerned had imported the above batches of affected products and all of them were distributed for sale. The importer concerned has initiated a recall according to CFS' instruction. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2307 6618 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

The spokesman advised consumers who are allergic to egg or milk to stop consuming the products concerned. They should seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming them.

"People who are allergic to egg or milk may have immunologic response like vomiting, diarrhoea and rash upon consumption of food containing the allergens. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may even develop. As for other members of the public, generally speaking, they would not be subject to such reactions when the food in question is consumed," he said.

The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap 132W) require that all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong should list out the food ingredients in its list of ingredients. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.